Of all the ads or marketing campaigns, this is without doubt one of the most bizarre. Hyundai promotes the i30 as a “family car”, a car that should handle well even the cheekiest mistreatment. So what better way than leaving one car, with the doors open, for 10 hours at the mercy of 40 playful baboons? All this happened at the Knowsley Safari Park near Liverpool. The test proved to be very successful: “For a baboon, to have a car to play with for a whole day is manna from heaven!” said David Ross, Park Manager. “I’ve seen thousands of cars pass through this enclosure, get mobbed by monkeys, and none have lasted the distance as well as this Hyundai.”

Hyundai is at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show with quite a few interesting models, most notably the new Santa Fe“>Santa Fe, the BHCD-1 and the Rhoens Coupe, which is basically the Genesis Coupe with a different name and some light cosmetic change.

The BHCD-1 is a model developed by Hyundai together with Chinese partner Beijing Automotive and will be marketed in China only as a Shouwang model. Its flashy front end features a pair of slender head-lights with LED technology and a sunken bonnet that gives the car a pretty aggressive outlook. As for now the model is still a prototype, but its definitive version is due to appear on Chinese roads within a couple of years.

Arguably the real star at the Hyundai stand in Beijing, the third generation of the Santa Fe (which was premiered at the New York International Auto Show earlier this year) turned out to be one of the crowd’s favorites. Measuring 4.69 meters in length, 1.88 in width, 1.68 in height and with a wheelbase of 2.70 meters, the innovative design of the Santa Fe is aligned to the design language adopted by the most recent models from the Korean carmaker. Its engine range include a 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI engine developing 264 hp, a 2.4-litre direct injection (GDI) producing an estimated 190 hp, and - for the Long Wheel Base variant only - a 3.3-litre GDI V6 engine delivering 290 hp.

View the full Hyundai BHCD-1 and Santa Fe @ the 2012 Beijing Motor Show photo gallery

Hyundai has released a video that features the new Santa Fe, now in its third generation, presented in world premiere at the last New York Auto Show. At launch the car will come with three different engine options, two diesels and one petrol, although this last variant won’t be hitting the UK market just yet. The diesel range includes the familiar 2.2-litre CRDi, revamped, and a new manual 2.0-litre, mated with R-e VGT turbine.

This engine delivers an output of 150hp, maximum torque of 382Nm with CO2 emissions of 145g/Km. The car will be available with a six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic gearbox. The new Santa Fe features self-leveling rear suspension and adjustable four-wheel drive, which automatically distributes torque and power to the two axes and on the four wheels, when needed.

The Korean House also wanted to emphasize that it has changed the power steering response and calibration trim, suspension and braking system to suit the needs of European drivers. Finally, the new Santa Fe has increased in size, measuring 4.69m in length, 1.88m in width and 1.68m in height with a wheelbase of 2.7m.

The new Hyundai Santa Fe has been officially unveiled at the New York international Auto Show. The third generation of the popular Korean SUV will then retain its classic moniker, dropping the anonymous ix45 name that was rumored to be the final choice. The ‘regular’ version of the model measures 4.69 meters in length, 1.88 in width and 1.68 in height with a wheelbase of 2.70 meters, while the Long Wheel Base variation (LWB) will have a 2.80 meters wheel base and gain 20 cm in length. Thereby, the new Hyundai Santa Fe is a little bit bigger than the model it is about to replace. It must be noticed though that these figures are the ones of the US version of the model, its European counterpart might end up being a little smaller.

The new Santa Fe will come in three versions: three versions: a five-passenger Santa Fe Sport, Santa Fe Sport 2.0T and the larger seven-passenger LWB Santa Fe. Standard equipment will include 7 airbags, panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, power seats, Blue Link infotainment, sat-nav and audio multimedia systems with an 8″ display.

The big hexagonal grill, its pair of mufflers and the 19″ burnished chrome alloys - as well as the overall line of the model - give it a well-defined personality. The engine range will be made of one petrol and two diesel units: a 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI engine developing 264 hp, a 2.4-litre direct injection (GDI) producing an estimated 190 hp, and - for the Long Wheel Base variant - a 3.3-litre GDI V6 engine delivering 290 hp. However, Hyundai did not release that many details on these engines.

View the full Hyundai Santa Fe photo gallery

The Korean company has just made the first picture of the new Hyundai i-oniq available to the public. The concept car, which will be presented at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, was announced by a teaser that anticipated part of its line and dimensions.

This hatchback is a sporty 4-seats electric car with range extender and measures 4.4 m lenght; it features a 109 hp electric engine self sufficient for about 120km, using only the lithium battery pack. The range extender is a 1-litre 3-cylinder that allows the car to cover a maximum distance of 700 km emitting just 45 g / km of CO2.

The i-oniq was entirely designed at the European Technical Centre of Rüsselsheim and it is another example of Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture design. The prototype shows the future styling of the Hyundai brand and introduces the automaker’s new technologies that will implement the standard models in the coming years.

Hyundai is once again relying on its signature fluidic sculpture style to design the body of the new i30 Wagon, which will be on display at the next 2012 Geneva Motor Show (8th – 18th March). The Korean estate is characterised by a pronouced swage line that runs along the sides of the body, hexagon-shape grille and signature headlights, while the rear lights have the same design of the five door hatchback’s.

Hyundai i30 Wagon will be replacing the current i30 CW and its wheelbase measures 4,480 mm, 185mm more than its predecessor. The trunk space expands from 528 l (150 l more than the five-door hatchback) to 1,672 l, which brings the new i30 at the top of its class.

The i30 Wagon was designed at Hyundai’s European R&D Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, and will be available from October 2012. It will offer a choice of three petrol engines - 1.4 l (100 hp) and 1.6 l (120 hp and 135 hp) - and three diesel engines - 1.4 l (90 hp) and 1.6 l (110 hp and 128 hp).

Hyundai releases a video starring the new Elantra GT, a new model unveiled just a few hours ago at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. The car is powered by a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine that produces 150 hp and 177 Nm of torque coupled to a 6-speed transmission, manual or automatic. The Elantra GT weighs only 1,265 kg, rolls 17″ alloys and comes with standard heated front seats, cooled glove box, steering wheel controls, Bluetooth, power driver seat and dual-zone climate control with a built-in ionizer, while optional extras include leather upholstery, satellite radio, automatic headlights and sat-nav.

For this model the Korean carmaker claims an average fuel consumption of 7.3 l/100km in urban traffic and 6.0 l/100km when traveling on motorways. If you want to know more about this car, check out the official Press Release after the jump. The 2013 Elantra GT will go on sale this summer.

ELANTRA GT MAKES NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT AT CHICAGO AUTO SHOW

Lightest Five-door Hatchback in the Compact Segment

CHICAGO, Feb. 8, 2012 – Hyundai Motor America today introduced the all-new 2013 Elantra GT in a North American debut at the Chicago Auto Show. Elantra GT brings five-door functionality and European driving dynamics to the expanding Elantra lineup and is slated to hit dealerships this summer. The lineup now includes Elantra Coupe - also making its world debut today and the popular Elantra sedan, the 2012 North American Car of the Year. Elantra GT is based on the new-generation i30 model designed for the European market.

“Elantra GT is a fun-to-drive, functional, five-door compact hatchback,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Elantra GT is the latest example of how Hyundai is redefining the compact car and setting new standards in automotive design, efficiency and functionality.”

The 2013 Elantra GT will compete with the Ford Focus, Mazda3 and Volkswagen Golf, featuring more interior volume than these models, unsurpassed fuel economy and Hyundai’s Driver Selectable Steering Mode.

HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2013 ELANTRA GT
• ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design
• Powered by an advanced 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and in-house six-speed automatic or manual transmission
o Horsepower: 148 at 6,500 rpm (ULEV)
o Best-in-class standard fuel economy estimated at 28 mpg city, 39 mpg highway (M/T)
o Best-in-class specific output at 82.2 horsepower per liter
• Lightest five-door hatchback in the compact segment
• Sport-tuned suspension
• More passenger and cargo volume than Focus, Mazda3, Golf and Matrix
• Driver knee airbag- an Elantra first
• Hidden rear camera
• More aerodynamic than Impreza, Matrix or Golf

Elantra GT is the third vehicle in Hyundai’s 7/11 product initiative (seven new or redesigned models in the next 11 months). The first two vehicles in the initiative were the Veloster Turbo and refreshed Genesis Coupe. The fourth vehicle is the Elantra Coupe.

LIGHTEST FIVE-DOOR HATCHBACK IN THE COMPACT SEGMENT
Elantra GT’s widespread use of high-strength steel provides a 37 percent increase in body stiffness at a lower body weight when compared to the outgoing Elantra Touring model. High-strength steel allows the suspension to work optimally. At 2,784 pounds, the automatic transmission Elantra GT is lighter than its competitors, while offering more interior room than Focus, Mazda3, Golf and Matrix. Elantra GT is the lightest five-door hatchback in the compact segment. It is 175 pounds lighter than Focus, 151 pounds lighter than Mazda3 and 222 pounds lighter than Golf. This weight-efficient unibody architecture allows for Elantra to achieve an estimated 39 mpg EPA highway rating, without the need for a special eco model. Elantra GT’s best-in-class fuel efficiency is driven by the Blue Drive strategy. A key to Elantra GT’s extensive use of high-strength steel is an $8 billion dollar investment Hyundai made to become the only global automaker with its own fully integrated steel plant. Hyundai has 400 metallurgists focused on the task of developing optimized steel recipes for every part and panel in new vehicle architectures.

FURTHER EVOLUTION OF ‘FLUIDIC SCULPTURE’ DESIGN
The new Elantra GT represents further evolution of the Hyundai form language, ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ - the company’s distinctive design DNA. The ‘Fluidic’ essence provides the Elantra GT with a slippery .30 coefficient of drag. Everything about Elantra GT is aerodynamic from the aggressive profile and low overall height, to the sleek side mirrors. Tire gaps are minimized while rocker panels are streamlined. Lower wind resistance translates into better fuel economy and a smoother ride.

Up front, Hyundai’s signature hexagonal grille with chrome accents flows into the hood. The bodyside graphic features a chrome beltline molding to keep up with the sleek character lines. Sharp projection headlamps, fog lights and available 17-inch alloy wheels with chrome spears complete the modern design.

BEST-IN-CLASS STANDARD FUEL ECONOMY
Elantra GT’s standard fuel economy is an estimated 28 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 32 combined with the six-speed automatic transmission or manual transmission. These figures give Elantra GT a highway-only driving range of more than 500 miles and combined city/highway driving range of up to 448 miles.

MODERN POWERTRAIN
Under the hood, Elantra GT is powered by a 1.8-liter Nu four-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque (145 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque for Elantra PZEV). Thanks to advanced clean engine technology, most Elantra GTs sold in California, Oregon and several Northeast states are certified as Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV) by the EPA. The PZEV Elantra GT is as clean as many hybrid electric vehicles, helping Hyundai meet its environmental commitments. Elantra is also available as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV). Additionally, Elantra GT has an ActiveECO System that modifies engine and transmission control to smooth out throttle response and increase real-world fuel economy by up to seven percent.

Key Engine Components
• Aluminum block and head
• Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT)
• Variable Induction System (VIS)
• Roller swing arm and Hydraulic Lash Adjusters (HLA)
• Electronic throttle control
• Offset crankshaft

The Nu engine features an aluminum cylinder head, crank and block with a cast iron cylinder liner. The 1.8-liter Nu also offers Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) camshafts and hydraulic engine mounts for optimum power, efficiency and refinement. Using CVVT on both camshafts has several advantages when compared with using it just on the intake camshaft. With D-CVVT, there is a two percent improvement in performance (increased volumetric efficiency), two percent improvement in fuel economy (reduced pumping loss) and a 30 percent reduction in hydrocarbon emissions. In the valvetrain, roller swing arms and hydraulic lash adjusters reduce valve driven friction to improve fuel economy by one percent, compared with direct valve driving. The Nu engine also features a maintenance-free silent timing chain system to enhance durability and improve Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).

The application of a composite resin two-stage Variable Intake System (VIS) versus aluminum, enables switching between long and short intake manifolds, resulting in a four percent improvement in performance, a 15 percent reduction in cost and a 30 percent reduction in weight.

Another tool Hyundai engineers have incorporated into Elantra GT is an electronic throttle control. The electronic throttle control replaces the conventional cable and mechanical linkage with fast responding electronics. This system accurately controls air intake and engine torque, improving drivability, response and fuel economy.

The Nu four-cylinder engine also has an offset crankshaft design that reduces friction between the piston and cylinder wall for a one percent improvement in fuel economy.

SIX-SPEED TRANSMISSIONS
The 2013 Elantra GT can be equipped with a six-speed manual (M6CF3-1) or automatic (A6GF1) transaxle with SHIFTRONIC® manual control. Elantra GT’s six-speed manual transmission provides short, crisp shifts and further optimizes engine performance. These crisp shifts are courtesy of triple-cone synchronizers for first and second gears, double-cone for third gear and single-cone for fourth, fifth and sixth gears.

INTERIOR SPACE AND PRACTICALITY
Maximizing interior volume and delighting customers with various seating layouts are hallmarks of Hyundai engineering and translate into more cabin room, cargo space and versatility. The Elantra GT features seating layouts that can comfortably seat five people or accommodate four passengers, plus long items like golf clubs or snowboards. Fold down two seats, to seat three people and hold larger packages or fold all of the back seats to get CUV-sized cargo space. These options allow customers to discover that Elantra GT has more interior volume than Matrix, Mazda3, Ford Focus and VW Golf and even more cargo capacity than the Nissan Juke crossover, thanks to fold-flat rear seats and rear seat cushions than can flipped upward.

The Elantra GT includes a number of convenient, standard stowage and storage features, including a sunglasses holder, two front and two rear cupholders, door bottle holders, cooled glove compartment, central console storage, sliding armrest, front storage tray, front seatback pockets and a cargo area under-floor storage. The cargo area also has a 12-volt outlet for consumers who desire an outlet to plug in their portable electronic devices.

ELANTRA GT ARCHITECTURE
Elantra GT is fitted with a MacPherson strut front suspension, with coil springs and gas shock absorbers. The rear suspension is comprised of a light weight coupled torsion beam for enhanced steering stability and monotube shock absorbers. A 22 mm diameter front stabilizer bar helps reduce body roll when cornering. Elantra GT is tuned for added feel, responsiveness and control, while the Elantra sedan is tuned for comfort. Modifications to the GT include higher rear spring rates, a stiffer twist beam and Sachs dampers for improved body motion control. These changes create driving dynamics which are sporty and comfortable. In addition, two suspension packages were developed to optimize tuning for the two different tire sizes. The Elantra GT’s Style package offers a sportier suspension calibration that is optimized for its lower-profile P215/45R17 tire.

Behind the wheel, drivers benefit from Hyundai’s all-new Driver Selectable Steering Mode. With three operating modes to select - Comfort, Normal and Sport - this innovative system allows drivers to adapt Elantra GT steering characteristics to varying driving preferences and road conditions any time they choose. Comfort level offers the greatest ease of steering and is ideal for city and parking environments. Sport is optimized for higher-speed highways or winding roads, while Normal is ideal for a mix of driving conditions. The Driver Selectable Steering Mode not only adjusts power assistance levels in each mode, but also on-center build-up feel and steering build-up curves throughout the steering range, for a very natural, progressive feel. Steering damping characteristics, active return gain, and high frequency friction levels have also been optimized for Elantra GT in this system. Even more, Elantra GT’s turning diameter of 34.8 feet is better than Matrix, Focus and Golf.

OVERALL DIMENSIONS
The all-new Elantra GT rides on a 104.3-inch wheelbase and has an overall length of 169.3 inches. The height is 57.9 inches and the width is 70.1 inches.

CABIN REFINEMENT
Cabin refinements on the all-new Elantra GT are inspired by the high standards of the entire Hyundai lineup. Located in the center console, the available navigation system is displayed via a seven-inch touch-screen and incorporates the rearview camera screen. Elantra GT’s rearview camera is like no other. This mechanized camera is hidden behind the Hyundai flying H badge on the rear hatch and only appears when needed.

Dual-zone climate controls ensure a comfortable environment for all occupants during long journeys, and the addition of a panoramic sunroof provides increased natural light within the cabin. The Dual-zone climate controls also incorporate an automatic defogging system, which detects humidity levels using a sensor and removes it from the windshield. Another premium feature in the Elantra GT is a CleanAir Ionizer that automatically cleans the air when the heater or air conditioner is running.

Elantra GT comes standard with a 172-watt AM/FM/Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with six-speakers and iPod®/USB/auxiliary input jacks. A Bluetooth interface is also standard. The sound system plays compact discs, accesses digital music files via Bluetooth streaming audio or allows driver and passenger to access their personal listening devices through the iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs. The SiriusXM Satellite Radio interface is also integrated into the navigation unit and features channel logos, real-time NavTraffic and Data services, such as NavWeather®, Stock Ticker and Sports Ticker. Users can even upload personal pictures from a USB rather than a CD to be displayed on the system’s home screen.

Elantra GT offers many premium features, such as:
• Standard cooled glove box
• Standard heated front seats
• 10-way power driver’s seat including power lumbar support
• Clean Air Ionizer
• Leather seating surfaces
• Automatic headlights
• Side mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators
• Standard steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls
• Standard Bluetooth hands-free system with voice recognition

HYUNDAI BLUE LINK
Hyundai Blue Link is standard on the 2013 Elantra GT. “Blue Link combines safety, service and infotainment into a complete package that works to both help simplify Hyundai owners’ lives and reduce distracted driving,” said Barry Ratzlaff, director of customer satisfaction and service business development, Hyundai Motor America. “We’ve carefully studied how drivers rely on smart phones and navigation systems as an innovative link to the outside world. Blue Link brings that seamless connectivity directly into the car with technology like voice-to-text messaging, POI web search download, turn-by-turn navigation, and monthly vehicle reporting. Our agent-assisted advanced voice recognition system offers a 21st century solution to performing POI searches in the vehicle. This unique and innovative approach enables Hyundai to deliver fast, accurate searches and downloads of POIs to vehicles without traditional operator-only type systems of our competitors.”

Blue Link-equipped vehicles include core safety services for an introductory period. These key safety services include: Automatic Crash Notification (ACN) and Assistance, SOS Emergency Assistance, and Enhanced Roadside Assistance. After the introductory period, owners of Blue Link-equipped vehicles can choose to extend these and other services as desired.

Blue Link Assurance further expands Hyundai’s industry leadership formerly established by Hyundai Assurance, the industry’s most comprehensive suite of new-vehicle protection.

SAFETY FEATURES
The all-new Elantra GT features the latest active and passive safety technologies to ensure maximum protection for its occupants. Active safety features include ESC (Electronic Stability Control), ABS (anti-lock braking system) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist and VSM (Vehicle Stability Management). In terms of passive safety, the Elantra GT will be fitted with seven airbags as standard - front, side and curtain including an Elantra-first driver’s knee airbag.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance.

Hyundai has introduced the new Elantra GT hatchback and Elantra Coupe at the ongoing 2012 Chicago Auto Show, unleashing at the same time a first lot of official images of the two models on the internet. The pair comes with the same 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine that powers the Elantra sedan - delivering 150 hp and 177 Nm of torque - that can be coupled to either a manual or an automatic 6-speed transmission.

The Elantra GT weighs only 1,265 kg, a feature that allows it to be quick and responsive even though the engine is not that performing. It comes with 17″ alloys and a sporty set-up that makes it extremely stable. In the cabin we have heated seats, seven air bags, sound system with Bluetooth connectivity and even a cooled glove compartment. For this model the Korean carmaker claims an average fuel consumption of 7.3 l/100km in urban traffic and 6.0 l/100km when traveling on motorways.

The Elantra Coupe will be available in two versions: the ‘GS’ and the more well-equipped SE. The main features of the former are a set of 16″ wheels and a quite minimal interior with mp3 player and 6 speakers. The SE instead will roll on standard 17″ rims and an optional sat-nav system with a 7″ touch screen and a rear view camera. The Coupe will come in seven different colors - three of which are available for this model exclusively -and black or gray interior finishing. No word on prices yet.

View the full Hyundai Elantra GT photo gallery
View the full Hyundai Elantra Coupe photo gallery

Here’s one of the ads that Hyundai will have broadcasted during the XLVI Superbowl, which will take place this Sunday at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The add is also part of Hyundai’s “New Thinking, New possibilities” campaign and is dedicated to the new Genesis Coupe, which has been unveiled a few weeks back at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. More precisely, the model featured in this clip is the R-Spec version - the most powerful variant of the new Genesis Coupe line-up - which is equipped with a 3.8-litre V6 unit delivering 345 hp and 400 Nm of peak torque. According to the South Korean carmaker, this unit can push the Genesis Coupe R-Spec from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 5 seconds, with the top speed limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).

The other engine options for the Genesis Coupe model year 2013 is a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged united credited with an output of 274 hp and 373 Nm (275 ft-lb). Both units would come with either a 8-speed automatic transmission or the more classic 6-speed manual gearbox.

Hyundai introduces one of its commercials that will be broadcasted during the upcoming XLVI Superbowl. As previously announced, the new campaign of the South Korean carmaker goes more in the direction of sheer entertainment, and doesn’t really focus on a specific model. The clip above was shot at the Hyundai plant in Montgomery, Alabama, where the Santa Fe and Elantra models as well as the 4-cylinder engines of the Theta family get assembled. The title of this ad is “All For One” and features contributions from the 2,700 Hyundai employees working in Montgomery, who try to encourage a designer by singing “Gonna Fly Now” (the main song off the Rocky movie’s soundtrack) a cappella. The Superbowl will take place on February, the 5th at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Two images of the new Hyundai Santa Fe model year 2013 (which will probably be marketed in Europe as Hyundai ix45) have leaked on the internet through the hyundai-blog website.

The pictured model should be the final version of the car and, as the full reconstruction of the front end operated by AutoEvolution (third image) would confirm, it will be using the same design language adopted by the most recent Hyundai models, with the same hexagonal front grill and similar head lights and LED strips. Same goes for the rear end, also clearly inspired by the latest production of the South Korean carmaker.

The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe is expected to make its debut at the next New York International Auto Show (April 6-15), and should be initially available with four engine options: two petrol (a 1.6 and a 2.0 GDi) and two diesel (1.7 and 2.0), all of which should be made available with both front- and all-wheel drive configurations.

Here are some spy shots of the next Hyundai model that is up for a mid-life facelift, the i20. The pictured mule is wearing quite some heavy camouflage, but we expect the exterior of the re-styled i20 to be influenced by the design language adopted by the i40, especially as far as headlights and front bumper are concerned. The rear end should undergo a similar treatment too - as the abundance of camo on this mule would suggest - but this set of shots doesn’t say much on the subject. Since our photographers reported that the interior of the car was even more hidden than the outside (meaning that not only the dashboard was covered, front and rear seats were as well) we predict some major changes in the passenger compartment too.